At 107-years-old Antonio Docampo certainly lived a long life. So what’s his secret? Lots of exercise, a healthy diet, or maybe just great genes? None of those according to his son, who claims his father enjoyed drinking four bottles of red wine each day. So much for all those scientific studies suggesting a glass or two of wine per day.
“If he produced 60,000 litres a year he would keep 3,000 litres for himself. He always said that was his secret to living so long.”
According to the son of Antonio Docampo, he drank two bottles of red wine at lunch and two more in the evening. Every month he downed a whopping 200 liters of wine!
His son also added, “he never drank water.”
Maybe his good fortune hinges on the fact that he only drank organic, chemical-free wine he produced through his winery Bodegas Docampo in Galicia, which he started in the 1930s after fighting in the Spanish Civil War. Despite his body’s obvious affinity for wine, this approach probably wouldn’t work for most of us. In fact, we imagine most people would black out somewhere between the first and second bottle, and needless to say our lawyers and primary care physicians do not recommend drinking upwards of 200 liters of wine per month.
Red wine has long been celebrated not only for its rich flavors but also for its potential health benefits. When consumed in moderation, red wine can have a positive impact on various aspects of health. One of the key components found in red wine is resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. Resveratrol has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress. These properties have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Research suggests that the moderate consumption of red wine may help improve heart health by raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “good” cholesterol, while also reducing the risk of blood clot formation. The presence of polyphenols in red wine, such as flavonoids and tannins, has been shown to support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood vessel function and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Furthermore, red wine has been associated with potential benefits for brain health. Studies have found that moderate red wine consumption may help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The antioxidant properties of red wine, including resveratrol, play a role in protecting brain cells from damage and maintaining overall brain health.
While there are benefits, red wine is not an elixir to the fountain of youth, despite what Mr. Docampo’s story would have you think. It is important to maintain a balanced approach and remember that individual factors and overall lifestyle choices also play a significant role in determining overall health and well-being.
